Leonard Satoshi Doi

Leonard Satoshi Doi

January 28, 1932 – February 18, 2020

On Tuesday, February 18, 2020, Len Doi, loving husband and best friend of Ali, loving step-father to Karen and Chris, loving grandfather to Lance, Cameron and Sean, devoted brother to Les and Mike (predeceased), Terry, Joe and Ken, and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews in Toronto and Comox passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88.

Born in Vancouver, Len and his five brothers spent their young years in their busy household in the city. At the age of seven, Len and his family were uprooted and interned for the duration of the war at Tashme internment camp, near Hope BC. At the end of the war, with their property and livelihoods claimed by the federal government, Len and his family travelled first to the farming community of Black’s Harbour New Brunswick and then to Toronto, where many west coast Japanese Canadians had also relocated.

As a young man, Len left Toronto and moved north to Sault Ste Marie Ontario, where he opened and ran an office machine store and repair centre. A few years later he sold the business and opened a small general store in Thessalon, where his romance with Ali began.

Len’s other love affair was with music. He had a wonderful baritone voice and was a naturally gifted musician. He played the glockenspiel in the Legion marching band for years, taught himself to play the mandolin and harmonica, and led a small band that travelled all along the North Shore of Lake Huron playing for all the hospital and nursing homes from Elliot Lake to Sault Ste Marie. Len and Ali’s beloved music jams will be remembered by musicians and friends across several provinces and states.

When laryngeal cancer struck twenty years ago, the great voice was stilled, but he continued to play and volunteer as long as he possibly could.

Len also enjoyed sports, and was an avid curler and golfer. He loved the social aspect of these games as much as the sport itself.

Coming back to the west coast for him was coming full circle. He loved the place where he was born on the ocean, and was still able to walk the beaches for awhile again.

His time in long-term care was enriched by the loving, skillful attention of the folks at the Views, from the recreation staff and volunteers to every member of the nursing team.

A celebration of Len’s life will be held at The Views at St. Joseph’s. Please join family and friends for a Come-and-Go Tea on Tuesday, February 25 from 2:00 to 4:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made in Len’s name to the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation https://www.cvhealthcarefoundation.com/